Mastitis risks in off-paddock facilities

Mastitis risks in off-paddock facilities

Cows that spend long periods of time in close contact with dairy effluent are more at risk of developing environmental mastitis.

Off paddock facilities can create situations where cows’ teats are more exposed to contamination by the bacteria that cause this form of mastitis. Management strategies that improve the cleanliness of the facility, and the cows, can reduce this risk.

The video below highlights some risk indicators for freestall barns that can lead to environmental mastitis or milk quality problems. These include management of beds to reduce contamination with effluent, water or milk, and maintaining teat health between milkings.